IN A COLLABORATION between universities, one of South Africa’s best kept secrets, the language, history, natural beauty, activism and culture of the Northern Cape like it has never been showcased before will be celebrated this heritage month.
The inaugural “Dit is a Noord Kaap ding” (It’s a Northern Cape Thing) colloquium is a collaboration between the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and the Northern Cape Provincial Government.
It takes place from September, 20 to 22 both at SPU and virtually via Youtube and Facebook.
The colloquium was initiated Dr Lorato Mokwena, a lecturer at UWC’s Linguistics Department.
“Although the Northern Cape is perceived as a ‘sleepy’ province, the province has a deep-rooted history, an evolving present state and it is blessed with amusing natural aesthetics and resources. It is home to a diverse population of people and languages. This is what inspired the idea of initiating a colloquium about the Northern Cape,” she said.
“The colloquium has an intriguing programme which is set to evoke thought-provoking and insightful conversations. The programme starts on Monday, 20th September 2021 with the inaugural launch of the colloquium during which the rector of UWC, Prof Tyrone Pretorius, the rector of SPU, Prof Andrew Crouch, as well as the premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, will address the audience. All three are alumni of UWC.”
On September 21st, the colloquium focuses on language, activism and culture. The day commences with the screening of Aboxan Dommi (Ancestor’s Voice), as well as the first episode of |Hom!gan di Namdi (Tongues of Angels) by Bradley van Sitters and Memory Biwa.
The following day’s presentations will focus on the |khâba ra (Rieldans); orality and place-naming in Northern Cape towns; the preservation of Khoekhoegowab and the Bushman (San) culture. There will also be a presentation by the Eyethu Pop-up library.
The final day of the colloquium explores history, nature and conservation. Topics to be explored on this day include the legacies of copper mining in Namaqualand; the deeper pasts in the Northern Cape, agrisyncretic knowledge and Namaqualand herders; Sol T Plaatje's Northern Cape and Black civilians and combatants that hailed from the Kimberley Region during the South African War.
Be a part of the event at the following YouTube and Facebook links: FaceBook Stream URL – Event starting at 8.00am 20th September 2021:
YouTube Stream URL – Event starting at 8.00am 20th September 2021: